Hispania completes 2011 F1 line-up

9 March 2011

Hispania Racing has confirmed the signing of Vitantonio Liuzzi in a move that completes the 2011 F1 grid.

Liuzzi, who was ousted from his drive at Force India over the winter, tested for Hispania in the first of two tests at the Catalunya circuit in Spain and has now agreed a deal to partner Narain Kathikeyan for the year ahead.

"I am really happy to have signed this agreement with Hispania Racing,” Liuzzi said. “I never lost hope to be in Formula One as I knew I have the experience and the right attributes for a young and ambitious team.

“I face a new challenge now and this excites me. I also face a lot of hard work in guiding Hispania Racing through the development of our new car. I am extremely grateful to José Ramon Carabante and to Colin Kolles for giving me such an opportunity.”

Team boss Colin Kolles welcomed Liuzzi into the team and said he was hopeful that the former Red Bull and Toro Rosso man would help push Hispania forwards in its second season on the grid.

“I have known Tonio for many years as he raced with me in lower categories,” he said. “He is a very professional driver who will bring a lot of benefits to the Team. I am convinced about his skills to develop a car and his speed. He has shown this in the past having contributed to a large extend developing and moving a back grid car to the front. I had the pleasure of working with him and I am very happy and proud to have him racing with Hispania Racing.”

Liuzzi should sample Hispania's new F111 later this week, with the car due to appear in public for the first time on Friday.